“HEARTLESS”: CITY PARKING CLAMPS VEHICLE OF MOTHER GIVING CHILD ON OXYGEN, LATER APOLOGIZES
By Chiyedzo Josiah Dimbo | Ambassador of Hope
_HARARE_ — A video circulating online sparked national outrage after City Parking clamped a vehicle belonging to a woman who had pulled aside to administer urgent medication to her sick child.
In the video, a young boy, aged _4 years 7 months_ according to a _Central City Clinic_ prescription seen in the car, is lying on the back seat receiving nebulizer/oxygen treatment. Medication, a syringe, and clinic documents are visible on the seat next to him.
The mother had reportedly stopped the car to attend to the child’s urgent medical needs.
Instead of assistance, City Parking officers placed a yellow wheel clamp on the vehicle, effectively immobilizing it while the child was still receiving treatment inside.
_”No no I don’t feel sound. Oxygen. So I had to pack. Oxygen. Medication again. That’s why I do it in the towel,”_ a voice is heard saying in the background of the video, explaining the emergency.
*PUBLIC OUTRAGE*
Zimbabweans online described the action as “inhumane”, “heartless” and “insensitive”.
Questions were raised on whether by-laws allow room for discretion when a child’s life is at stake. The incident reignited calls for “service delivery with a human face” from local authorities.
*CITY PARKING ISSUES APOLOGY + ACTION PLAN*
Following public pressure, _City Parking (Harare)_ has issued a public statement deeply regretting the incident.
*Key points from the statement:*
– *Apology*: “We sincerely apologize to the affected family and to the wider community for the manner in which this situation was handled.”
– *Immediate Action*: “Management team immediately reached out to the mother and vehicle was released.”
– *Investigation*: “Full investigation into the conduct of our staff and appropriate action will be taken.”
– *Policy Review*: “A comprehensive review of our clamping procedures shall be undertaken to ensure that emergency situations are handled with humanity and urgency.”
– *Training*: “All staff will undergo mandatory customer service and sensitivity training, with emphasis on handling vulnerable persons and medical emergencies.”
– *Support*: “We are engaging directly with the affected family to extend our apologies and offer support.”
– *Well Wishes*: “We wish the young boy speedy recovery.”
City Parking said it is “committed to restoring public trust” and pledged to uphold “respect, responsibility, and service in all operations.”
*AMBASSADOR OF HOPE COMMENT*
As _Ambassador of Hope_, I welcome the apology and the corrective measures.
But this must be more than words. *Besides children, City Parking marshals must put humanity first and not be overzealous in the execution of their duties.* Our institutions must build systems that prioritize compassion, especially when vulnerable lives are involved.
We pray for the young boy’s full and speedy recovery, and we thank the public for holding authorities accountable.
*#HumanityFirst #Harare #ChildHealth #CityParking #SAMACETEYE #AmbassadorOfHope*
